Deborah Wurrkidj

Biography
Deborah Kamanj Wurrkidj is a highly regarded and versatile artist known for seamlessly adapting to new art forms while upholding her strong clan traditions. Since 1991, she has worked with Bábbarra Designs, alongside her late mother, Helen Lanyinwanga, and her late sister, Jennifer Wurrkidj. As a leading textile artist and an integral member of the Bábbarra Women’s Centre, Deborah’s contributions have been pivotal to its artistic and cultural output. Deborah is the Duwa djunkay for her mother and grandfathers ancestral dreaming stories.
Her work is vibrant, tactile, and intricate, drawing inspiration from the local natural environment and infused with deep cultural knowledge. Deborah’s extensive body of textile art reflects the innovative artistic evolution occurring in Maningrida, which is also evident in her work across various mediums including bush dye silk, screen print and lino print.
In addition to her textiles, Deborah is world-renowned for her bark paintings, lorrkkon(hollow log), and fibre baskets. Since 2001, she has exhibited extensively across Australia, Europe, the United States, and India. Her work is included in most of Australia’s major state gallery collections.
Fabrics for sale

Yawkyawk in Stone Country

Marebu

Kunmadj

Man-kurndalh (Black Plums)

Yawkyawk in Stone Country

Marebu

Yawkyawk in Stone Country

man-kurdudjumuk – yellow colour

Karrbarda (Long Yam)

Kunred Kodbarre (The Louvre)

Kandji

Marebu and Stingray

Kandji

Marebu
Artist's designs

Yawkyawk in Stone Country

Kunred Kodbarre (The Louvre)

Karrbarda (Long Yam)

Kandji (Jabiru)

Man-kurndalh (Black Plums)

Manwak (Mumeka blooms)

Wakwak (Black Crow Dreaming)

Yawkyawk dja Wayuk

Man-djarduk

Marebu
